Antwerp-Bruges Gets UTM upgrade
Unifly, a Terra Drone Corporation group company specializing in Unmanned Aerial System Traffic Management (UTM) systems, in collaboration with SkeyDrone, proudly announces a significant upgrade to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ (PoAB) UTM system, DronePortal. This enhancement aims to bolster the efficiency of drone operations within the complex airspace of the Port of Antwerp, while also extending support to the Port of Bruges. The development signifies a crucial advancement towards U-space readiness.
Operational since mid-March 2021, the PoAB DronePortal has processed over 5,000 flight authorizations, playing a pivotal role in navigating the evolving U-space landscape. The latest upgrades include optimized automated approvals, enhanced integration support with drone operations, and improvements in User Interface (UI)/User Experience (UX), all integrated into the most recent Unifly product version.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is poised to become the first official U-space airspace in Europe, marking a significant milestone in uncrewed aerial operations. Hosting the highest volume of drone flights in Belgium, the port has emerged as a central hub for drone activities. The D-Hive project, facilitating scalable Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone flights, along with various other drone operations, further solidifies the port’s position as a key player in the drone ecosystem.
Erwin Verstraelen, Chief Digital Information & Innovation Officer at Port of Antwerp-Bruges, emphasized the significance of innovation in their strategy, stating, “This partnership with SkeyDrone and Unifly reaffirms our commitment to fostering a smart, connected, and future-ready port. Together, we’re shaping a new frontier in uncrewed aerial operations.”
Hendrik-Jan Van Der Gucht, Managing Director of SkeyDrone, highlighted the upgrade’s role in advancing U-space readiness, ensuring safe and seamless integration of unmanned aerial vehicles in European airspace.
Andres Van Swalm, CEO of Unifly, expressed excitement about the growing number of drone operators preparing for autonomous flights. He underscored the significance of the recent system upgrade in extending support to the Port of Bruges and advancing PoAB towards U-Space readiness.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges, with an overall throughput of 271 million tonnes per year, serves as a vital link in global trade and industry. It accommodates 1,400 companies and provides around 164,000 jobs, generating an added value of 21 billion euros.
About SkeyDrone:
SkeyDrone, a joint venture between the Belgian Air Navigation Service Provider skeyes and Brussels Airport Company, offers end-to-end solutions related to the use of uncrewed aircraft (drones), playing a pivotal role in implementing U-space in Belgium.
About Unifly:
Unifly NV, a Belgian-based technology provider of Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM), specializes in operational management systems for drones and Urban Air Mobility (UAM), with a proven track record in over eight countries.
About Terra Drone:
Terra Drone is a pioneering drone and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) technology company headquartered in Japan, aiming to create a prosperous future by integrating diverse fields to foster innovation and find solutions.
For more information, visit: Port of Antwerp-Bruges, SkeyDrone, Unifly, and Terra Drone.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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